Dr XR Masonto
nGAP Lecturer
Qualifications:
PhD in Linguistics, MA in Translation and Linguistics, BED Hons (Foundation Phase), BA Hons, BA
About
Dr. Rivalani Xenon Masonto is a staff member in the Department of General Linguistics and Modern Languages, having joined as an Ngap Lecturer in April 2021. She recently graduated with a PhD in May 2024, with a thesis that examined the interface between quantifiers and qualifiers in Bantu languages, specifically Xitsonga, isiZulu, Northern Sotho, and Swahili.
Currently, Dr. Masonto is co-supervising both a Master’s and a Doctoral student, reflecting her commitment to guiding the next generation of academic scholars. Her research interests encompass multilingualism, decolonisation, morphology, syntax, and language teaching, with a particular focus on addressing issues related to ontology, epistemic frameworks, and ideologies that challenge Eurocentric perspectives. She advocates for pluriversality and critiques Western hegemonies in her work.
Dr. Masonto has presented papers on decolonising General Linguistics modules and on the use of translanguaging and code-switching as effective multilingual pedagogies. In her courses, she teaches morphology and syntax, written and oral communication skills, language and learning, and an introduction to language.
Additionally, she is working on a departmental community engagement project, particularly focused on mentoring secondary school language teachers. Her work highlights her dedication to both academia and education in the broader community.
Research Interests
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Decolonization
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
- Psycholinguistics
- Translation
Research Databases / PublicationsÂ